Update: Woman pulled from Hiawatha Lake dies

Syracuse, NY -- A woman pulled from Upper Onondaga Park's Hiawatha Lake this evening is dead, said Syracuse city police.

The woman, who was 24, was with her 7-year-old niece when the incident occurred at 6:40 p.m., Sgt. Tom Connellan said. It is not yet known if the woman drowned or if a pre-existing medical condition contributed to her falling into the water, he said.

The niece ran for help when her aunt fell into the water, police said. People at the park helped pull the woman out.

The woman had been in the water, which is only about 1 to 2 feet deep, for several minutes, police said. She was unresponsive when she was pulled out of the water and pronounced dead at University Hospital.

Police are questioning her niece and neighbors to determine what happen. The official cause of death will be determined by an autopsy, police said.

The park is located at Clairmonte Avenue and Crossett Street in the Strathmore section of the city.

Police declined to release the woman's name until her family has been notified.